News
Morocco Coach Walid Regragui Resigns Ahead of World Cup
Walid Regragui resignation confirmed as Morocco appoints Mohamed Ouahbi as head coach ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Morocco national football team head coach Walid Regragui has resigned less than 100 days before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Also read: Nigeria Bow Out of AFCON After Penalty Loss to Morocco
The announcement was made during a late-night press conference on Thursday alongside Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Moroccan Football Federation, who paid tribute to Regragui’s contributions to Moroccan football.
“The team needs a fresh face, a different energy, and a new perspective with a new coach,” Regragui said.
“I think the team needs a new lease of life before the World Cup, a new vision to continue progressing.”
The 50-year-old coach made history by leading Morocco to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach the last four.
However, his position had come under scrutiny after Morocco lost 1-0 to Senegal in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil earlier this year.
Following the resignation, the Moroccan football federation appointed Mohamed Ouahbi as Regragui’s successor.
Ouahbi, 49, recently guided Morocco’s under-20 side to the FIFA U‑20 World Cup title and previously managed the under-23 team.
Much of his coaching experience comes from working with youth teams at Belgian club RSC Anderlecht.
“This team already has strong foundations,” Ouahbi said.
“I’m not here to build, but to keep performing.”
He also confirmed that João Sacramento, a former Paris Saint‑Germain assistant who previously worked under José Mourinho at AS Roma and Tottenham Hotspur, will join his coaching staff.
Regragui, a former defender who played for Racing Santander in Spain, had led Morocco since 2022.
His tactical approach, often described as overly defensive, drew criticism after the country’s recent continental campaigns.
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi paid tribute on social media, calling Regragui a “legend” whose leadership inspired both players and fans.
As part of preparations for the World Cup, Morocco will play warm-up matches against Ecuador on March 27 and Paraguay on March 31.
The Atlas Lions have been drawn in Group C alongside Brazil, Haiti, and Scotland.
Morocco continues to invest heavily in football infrastructure, aiming to become a global football hub and co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
Also read: CAF Appoints Referee for Nigeria vs Morocco AFCON Clash
Plans include the Hassan II Stadium, which is expected to hold 115,000 spectators once completed in 2028.
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The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that all 25 people aboard its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, died after the aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, which had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the NAF 931 aircraft crash occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026. Search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated following the accident.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country, while extending condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of those who died.
Aneke assured the bereaved families of the Nigerian Air Force’s full support as they come to terms with the loss.
The Air Force said no survivors had been found and released the names of the five crew members and 20 passengers on board the aircraft.
The crew members were identified as Squadron Leader M.I. Aburime, Flight Captain; Squadron Leader A.P. Man-Ugwueje, Co-pilot; Flight Lieutenant I.S. Bako, Co-pilot; Warrant Officer A. Abubakar, Aircraft Technician; and Corporal H.C. Uguru, Aircraft Technician.
The 20 passengers were Flight Lieutenant T.L. Lazarus; Flight Lieutenant M. Akinloye; Flying Officer I.M. Adeshina; Master Warrant Officer F. Onwuka; Master Warrant Officer B.A. Matini; Warrant Officer F.S. Nuhu; Flight Sergeant R.B. James; Flight Sergeant A.I. Mohammed; Sergeant A.E. Ani; Sergeant S.I. Izibenikien; Sergeant C. Alafuka; Sergeant A.N. Mbadugha; Lance Corporal F.C. Ugwuba; Lance Corporal G.E. Eledan; Mrs Ezeh Nneka; Godstmine Tarabina; Joy Micheal; Sunday Micheal; Ukeme David; and Gideon Omotola.
The latest figure released by the Air Force differs from the initial information provided after the crash. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo had initially said 32 people, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members, were aboard the aircraft. The Nigerian Air Force subsequently clarified that the manifest contained 25 people, made up of five crew members and 20 passengers.
The aircraft crashed in a swampy area around Igbokoda, close to a naval base, after air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13am while it was travelling from Benin to Lagos. The wreckage was later located and rescue teams were deployed to the area.
The cause of the crash has not been established. The Chief of the Air Staff has directed a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
President Bola Tinubu had also directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the crash and declared three days of national mourning for the personnel who died. He ordered that national flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country in honour of the victims.
The Air Force said it would continue to provide timely and verified information as the investigation progresses. It also urged members of the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
A condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers who wish to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
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